Rising alternative artist ASHWIN, formerly known as The ATG, shocks the industry with the release of his latest single ‘Regret It,’ a poignant and introspective track that showcases his unparalleled talent and innovative approach to music. Hailing from the industrious streets of Detroit, Ashwin has carved out a unique space in the music world as a beacon of creativity and artistry.
At the core of Ashwin‘s artistic vision is his pioneering of the “Cinematic Hip-Hop” genre, a fusion of symphonic orchestration and urban hip-hop beats that sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the industry. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, from the cinematic scores of Hans Zimmer to the genre-defining beats of Dr. Dre, Ashwin‘s sound is a reflection of his rich musical tapestry and deep connection to his Detroit roots.
With a discography that showcases his versatility and innovation, Ashwin‘s tracks like ‘Outside,’ ‘Twilight,’ and ‘Regret It’, demonstrate his ability to navigate a spectrum of emotions and storytelling styles. Each song in Ashwin‘s catalog is not just a musical offering but a chapter in an ongoing saga of artistic evolution, inviting listeners into a world where music transcends the auditory and becomes a vivid narrative journey.
‘Regret It’ is a powerful addition to Ashwin‘s repertoire, promising to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and thought-provoking lyrics. This single further solidifies Ashwin‘s position as a rising star in the alternative music scene, blending introspection with dynamic vigor in a way that is uniquely his own. Why not have a listen below…
Global sensation and Gqom trailblazer DJ LAG, along with South African sensation Mr Nation Thingz, unveil a reimagined version of their chart-topping track ‘Hade Boss’.
The original ‘Hade Boss’ garnered immense success, with over six million streams and an astounding 500 million views across digital platforms. It also amassed 350K creations and 35M likes on TikTok, solidifying its status as both a viral sensation and an anthem.
Responding to the fervent demand for more, DJ Lag, Mr Nation Thingz, and K.C Driller revisited the studio to craft the second chapter of this ground-breaking hit. The Hade Boss Re-Up features a powerhouse ensemble of South African industry giants on vocals, including DJ Maphorisa, Kamo Mphela, Robot Boii, and 2woshort, with rising star Xduppy handling production duties. This revamped rendition stays true to the essence that captured hearts across South Africa and beyond while further paying homage to DJ Lag’s unique blend of Amapiano and Gqom.
Since its teaser release on TikTok last December, ‘Hade Boss’ has sparked a global dance frenzy, amassing a dedicated fan base even prior to its official launch. Its meteoric rise saw it ascend to #2 on the YouTube Music charts, setting the stage for a monumental year ahead. Accolades include the RISA Certified Gold Record, TikTok’s certified viral status, and noteworthy nominations, including the Metro Awards’ Best Kwaito/Gqom category, while chart-topping positions on various platforms solidify its widespread appeal.
From catapulting Gqom into the global spotlight to earning industry recognition, DJ Lag continues to be a cultural luminary and trailblazer. With ‘Hade Boss’ and a headline London date at Village Underground on 26th May- his largest headline show to date – he reaffirms his status as the undisputed Gqom King, showcasing his enduring influence on the music industry.
Swedish EDM artist/producer, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is ready to shake up the music scene with his latest single, ‘I Want Some More’. The captivating track, which carries a magnetic energy, is out today (28th March) offering listeners an uplifting and danceable experience.
With an addictive chorus that reads “I want some more, want some more. I want some more, want some more of your love,” HANDSHAKE IN SPACE invites listeners on a journey of desire and passion. The song is a perfect combination of hypnotic beats and emotional intensity, and is sure to get dance floors pumping.
‘I Want Some More’ is a continuation of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s successful musical career and promises to be a favorite among EDM enthusiasts around the world. Why not give those speaker a good workout and have a listen below…
Manchester rapper NEMZZZ unveils his much-anticipated debut mixtape ‘DO NOT DISTURB’. The 11-track tape is Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.
Marrying bars laced with Nemzzz’s wicked sense of humour, earworm hooks and a raw soulful-drill production – ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ is set to cement Nemzzz’s status as the new titan of UK Rap. Opening with late night confession ‘REFLECTION’, Nemzzz raps with real bite about the pitfalls of social media activism. New single ‘ETA’ sees Nemzzz unite with German rap heavyweight Luciano, trading bars over a siren-like beat. The new cut arrives with a video shot by DonProd in Frankfurt whilst Nemzzz was in town to appear at Luciano’s stadium show.
Recent single ‘PTSD’ (which is currently the blog’s Song of the Month) splices a haunting vocal flip with a laid-back production from frequent collaborator Zel, as Nemzzz turns teacher once more – speaking on how he uses his music as catharsis to process his feelings. The cut landed last month to a co-sign from Central Cee. The shimmering, jazz inflected ‘L’S’ arrived in January to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more.
Atmospheric, intense cut ‘DOOM’ gives way to the relaxed groove of playful love song ‘STAR SIGN’. On ‘NEED YOU’, Nemzzz rides out the ups and downs of a toxic relationship. ‘REASSURANCE’ melds ghostly vocal samples with a stripped back production as Nemzzz reassures his girl he’d drop her off for her ‘nails, hair, lash appointment too’. Nemzzz picks up the pace on ‘VENICE’ featuring rising rapper JayG. Title track ‘DND’ details how the run-up to the project was filled with hostile haters and the need to cut off day one friends. Rounding out the tape is ‘MONEY AND VIBES’, which sees Nemzzz bring a UK flavour to a flip of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Rock Your Body’. The single topped the A list at 1Xtra on release last year and continues to rack up over +1M streams a week. Nemzzz is one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years. An old head on young shoulders, Nemzzz is relatable in a different way than a lot of his rap peers; driven less by punchlines about Birkin bags and more by the challenge of helping his young fans navigate their way through growing pains. The rapper is shaped by his tough upbringing in Gorton, using his music to reflect on his experiences including heartbreak, fake friends, financial literacy, finding your own path, and managing mental health amid social media addiction.
The DO NOT DISTURB tape follows a massive 2023 for the young star with a consistent slate of releases including his debut EP NEMZZZ TYPE BEAT (which was pulled together in just 17 days in a flex of his innate talents) alongside a string of singles including ‘Therapy’ (Spotify Rap UK Cover) and ‘8AM IN MANNY’ which landed to props from some of the biggest rappers in the world – Drake and Lil Yachty. Last year saw Nemzzz deliver his first sold-out headline tour alongside performances at festivals including Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks and more.
Nemzzz will be heading out on his second headline tour this Spring with dates across the UK and Ireland. He will be kicking off in Dublin on 30th April and culminating in a homecoming show on 7th May in Manchester. With three dates already sold out – the tour is set to be another huge smash for the young star.
Since bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 14, Nemzzz has relentlessly chipped away at his craft – building steady buzz amongst the industry, media and fans alike. With over 180M combined streams in 2023, 9 Million TikTok views, tips including BBC Radio 1xtra’s Hot For 2023, Amazon Music x Hunger Magazine Ones To Watch, No Signal Class of ’23, Best Newcomer Nominee MOBO Awards 2022, plaudits from Pitchfork, The Face, DAZED, The Guardian, HYPEBEAST, CLASH, Complex UK and NME – Nemzzz is making serious moves.
ORITSÉ WILLIAMS returns with a brand new single ‘Language’ showcasing his unique, authentic style of music which he describes as ‘Afro-Island’ whilst stepping into a new chapter in his career.
An undeniable modern love anthem that steers away from the generic love themed songs, ‘Language’ connects people as human beings incorporating the universal expression ‘now you’re talking my language’ as an infectious hook. Oritsé takes you on a feel-good wave right from the start, that he smoothly rides with his unique vocal style, playfully switching up his flow along the songs hypnotic groove, exuding pure vibes and flavour.
The single produced by Jhn Alxs (Central Cee ‘I Will’) reminds us that love is a universal language which Oritsé understands having grown up between the UK, the Caribbean and Africa.
After achieving longevity in the music industry as the founding member of the multi-award winning band JLS with whom he sold over 15 million records, achieved five no.1s, two BRIT Awards and five MOBO awards, along with many other notable achievements, Oritsé took a leap of faith, broke away from the corporate major record label system and ventured out on his own as an independent artist.
Oritsé is now on an exciting new path in his solo career, working with the likes of Davido who he went to school with in Nigeria and Oritsé also mentored, along with other collaborators that feature on his debut forthcoming project such as Stylo G, producer/rapper Ayo Beatz, and Central Cee producer Jhn Alxs.
Tune into ‘Language’ and let Oritsé take you on a beautiful journey….